F Dear Mr Tansley, I

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Mark Tansley Development Manager, Northern Team Herefordshire Council Re: Planning application ref: P143028/F Dear Mr Tansley, I was horrified to learn that Mr Phillip Houlbrooke has submitted a planning application (P143028/F) for four broiler units which, if built, would condemn up to 200,000 chickens at a time to lives of misery. Factory farms are large, filthy and crowded, and they are a real threat to the environment, both locally and globally. The pollution from the proposed facility could contaminate local water sources, endangering wildlife and entire ecosystems. Ammonia levels on chicken factory farms are so high that the corrosive substance burns the birds' lungs and skin, and it is likely that the chemicals and stench from the proposed broiler units would adversely affect local residents' health and well-being. As you know, the Malvern Hills have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Four substantial broiler units would have an adverse visual impact on the countryside and surrounding area, destroying the beautiful scenery. Such a large-scale farming operation would also generate a high level of noise and cause an increase in traffic (especially in the early hours of the morning when the chickens would be collected), undoubtedly disturbing residents. Finally, chickens raised on factory farms spend their short, miserable lives confined to severely crowded, filthy sheds and are denied the opportunity to engage in any natural behaviour. When they are sent to the abattoir, many are painfully killed without any prior stunning. I urge you to reject the planning application. Regards,